The Holistic Horsewoman

06/18/2025

11/11/2024

On this Remembrance Day, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of all who served and remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. As we pause to reflect, let us also remember the countless horses who stood alongside soldiers, facing the same trials, hardships, and battles. These noble animals carried soldiers, supplies, and hope through the fields, sharing in the burden of war. Today, we remember them too, lying now in the fields of Flanders and beyond, forever a part of our history and our hearts.

10/28/2024

I am thrilled to announce the relaunch of the Wholistic Horse Masterclass! Theresa, Ashley, and I have been working hard to bring you an updated program filled with the latest in Ayurvedic equine nutrition, holistic bodywork, energetic health, and deepening the horse-human connection. This comprehensive, three-day masterclass is designed to empower equestrians with the tools and knowledge to support their horses' physical, emotional, and energetic well-being.

Over three immersive days November 18th - 20th, you’ll dive into the four pillars of the Wholistic Horse Academy:

Physical Imbalance
Our horses are incredible athletes, relying on their bodies for strength and grace. Like us, they can develop physical imbalances, from muscular tension to skeletal misalignments, impacting their comfort and performance. Through tailored exercise routines, regular assessments, and targeted therapies, you’ll learn how to detect and address these physical challenges, helping your equine partner move with ease and confidence.

Nutritional Imbalance
The saying "you are what you eat" rings true for our equine partners. An optimal diet is essential for their vitality, affecting everything from energy, performance to immune health. In this pillar, we dive into Ayurvedic equine nutrition, focusing on crafting a balanced diet that meets your horse’s unique needs, with guidance on selecting the right foods, herbs, and supplements to enhance their daily performance and long-term wellness.

Energetic Imbalance
Horses are intuitive beings with intricate energy systems. Stress, trauma, and environmental disruptions can create energetic imbalances, manifesting in behavioral shifts and performance issues. You’ll explore holistic methods, like acupuncture, Reiki, and other energy therapies based around traditional chinese medicine, to support your horse’s energetic health, helping them release blockages and achieve a state of inner harmony.

Mental Blockage
Like us, horses can experience mental barriers, often due to past experiences, fears, or lack of confidence. In this pillar, we provide tools to build trust, using cognitive reconditioning and mindful practices that promote mental clarity and emotional regulation for your equine. You’ll learn ways to support your horse in overcoming these blocks, creating neuropathways built within the parasympathetic state, unlocking their potential for a more fulfilling life.

Led by our expert instructors,
Theresa Gilligan of Neachai Equine Ayurveda
Ashley Stinson of A Plus Equine Bodywork
Alysha Santana of The Holistic Horsewoman

This class accessible to all levels of experience. Join us for the Wholistic Horse Masterclass and transform your approach to equine care from Nov 18th - 20th inside the The Wholistic Horse Academy Facebook group --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1936128236748715

05/29/2024

Trust Your Gut and Listen to Your Horse: A Journey with Ellie

Not long after we adopted Ellie, she came up lame and lethargic just days before her scheduled farrier appointment.

Ellie, having Cushings and a history of laminitis, was a concern. Following my vet's advice, I gave her bute and waited for the farrier. When he arrived, he examined her hooves and checked her digital pulse, suggesting her symptoms were more related to Cushings. He advised us to check her insulin levels.

When the vet came out, he raised a grim possibility: if this wasn't laminitis, Ellie's high levels could indicate her pituitary gland was affecting her brain, causing her rapid decline. Euthanasia was mentioned.

Confused and deeply saddened by how fast Ellie had deteriorated, and with little experience in managing Cushings and laminitis, I trusted the professionals. Despite my doubts, I agreed, not wanting Ellie to suffer.

We scheduled the day and mourned her impending loss. My kids and I spent extra time with Ellie, keeping her as comfortable as possible. We even consulted an animal communicator, hoping for insight. She told us Ellie was tired but grateful and would prefer to go if she didn't improve within a week. I thought the week statement was odd, as Ellie’s appointment was two days later.

As the day approached, Ellie’s energy shifted slightly. When the vet had to reschedule due to an emergency, we saw more improvement.

Within days, she was back to normal—her respiratory rate stabilized, she moved more, and she re-engaged with the herd. Two weeks later, my farrier confirmed she had suffered severe laminitis in 3 out of 4 hooves.

I was heartbroken, realizing my initial suspicions were correct. The professionals had missed the mark, and Ellie's condition could have been managed sooner. Despite how sad I was, I was also relieved Ellie was on the mend.
Recognizing the need for a more attentive care team, I sought new experts. Heather, our new farrier immediately came out and told me how long the flare up was for, how it would've been noticeable during the initial trim my farrier saw her and I inquired, and also noticed the incredible imbalance in almost every horse on my farm. Imbalances that were creating massive postural issues within my horses.

With Heather’s expertise, combined with knowledge / bodywork from Sarah and Dr. Barbara's Holistic Nutrition Course, Ellie has made a full recovery. Her hooves look incredible, her fat pads are gone, and we are building a new foundation for her health.

This journey taught me the importance of trusting your instincts and advocating for your horse’s well-being. If you feel your care team isn't doing enough, they might not be the right fit. Your equine care team should educate and empower you to notice the smallest changes and explore all possibilities for your horse’s health.

Today, I am profoundly grateful for Ellie. Her health journey catalyzed a shift for my entire herd, and being able to have an incredible care team. As well as providing me with the mentors for my own growth and ability to acquire invaluable knowledge in bodywork, nutrition, and balanced hooves.

Our journey underscores the importance of trusting your gut and truly listening to your horse. Every circumstance that arises with our horses in a chance to slow down, and listen. Whether it be a health scare, a behavioural issues, a training issues, etc whatever it may be, listen to what your horse is trying to show you, and find the growth in every moment.

Care team
Balanced Bodyworks
Heather McFarlane - Barefoot Performance
Dr Barbara - Angels Animals - Holistic Equine Nutrition Program

05/11/2024

Congratulations to this month's students who have completed their Usui Rhoyo Reiki lv 1 Training and Attunement!

If you're interested in a one on one mentorship head to my website!

Linktr.ee/holistichorsewoman

05/08/2024

Are you seeking a profound and comprehensive approach to enhance the well-being of your equine?

My integrative equine sessions are carefully tailored experience designed to foster the physical, mental, energetic, and emotional harmony of your horse.

My integrative sessions move through the following -

Postural and Health Assessment: I conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your horse's posture, movement patterns, and overall health. I examine every aspect, from muscular development to joint flexibility, to ensure we grasp a holistic understanding of your horse's well-being. By pinpointing areas of tension, weakness, or discomfort, I can tailor our approach to address your horse's specific needs effectively.

Gut Health Assessment: A healthy digestive system is paramount to your horse's overall well-being. My sessions include a thorough assessment of your horse's gastrointestinal health, examining factors such as digestion, behaviour complexes, nutrient absorption, and potential imbalances in gut flora leading to gut dysbiosis. By identifying any issues or imbalances in their gut health, I can recommend dietary adjustments, supplements, or holistic treatments to support optimal digestive function and overall health.

Hoof Balanced Assessment: Your horse's hooves are the foundation of their entire body, influencing their posture, movement, and comfort. I evaluate hoof balance, and overall hoof health. By ensuring proper hoof balance and function, we promote soundness, comfort, and optimal biomechanics, contributing to your horse's overall well-being and performance.

Energetic Assessment and Healing: As a reiki master of 8 years, I recognize the vital role that energy plays in your horse's health and vitality. Through Reiki I tune into your horse's subtle energy system. By identifying and correcting any disruptions or blockages in their energetic flow, I facilitate profound healing on a deeper level, promoting balance and harmony throughout their entire being.

Acupressure and Aromatherapy Support: Through gentle pressure applied to specific acupoints, I stimulate the body's natural healing responses, alleviating pain, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. Additionally, I incorporate the therapeutic benefits of essential oils to enhance the effectiveness of our sessions, promoting emotional balance, immune support, and overall wellness.

Myofascial Release Techniques: My sessions conclude with specialized myofascial release techniques aimed at releasing tension, restoring mobility, and improving overall muscular health. By targeting the fascial network, we address restrictions and adhesions within the soft tissues, promoting flexibility, circulation, and optimal muscular balance.

After each session, clients receive a detailed report summarizing my observations, the techniques applied, and specific recommendations for ongoing care. This invaluable resource serves as a roadmap for your horse's continued wellness journey, offering personalized guidance on nutrition, exercise, and holistic therapies.

For the months of May/June, new clients can utilize $25 off their initial appointment, making it the perfect time to embark on this transformative journey towards holistic equine wellness. Secure your appointment today by sending me a message or visiting my appointment registration link at linktr.ee/holistichorsewoman!

05/01/2024

Thank you, Steve of Pathways Holistic Petcare Centre - London for coming out and treating some of the horses at Peaceful Place Equestrian & Wellness Facility

Steve is a wealth of knowledge being certified in Equine Acupuncture and Tui Na Medicine
(Acupressure, Massage, Chiropractic) he gave such a comprehensive session for River, Ted and Samson that included muscle testing, chiro, cold laser, acupressure and acupuncture!

Always grateful to able to connect with other practitioners that share the same value in whole horse approach to wellness!

04/26/2024

Let's Talk About Real Solutions for Our Horses

It's time to stop normalizing the use of band-aid solutions for our equine's' behavioural issues. Instead, let's address the root causes of these problems to genuinely help our horses heal and thrive.

Far too often, when faced with a behavioural challenge from their horses, many resort to quick fixes or temporary solutions. Whether it's masking discomfort with pain-relieving medications, special gadgets or tack or using training techniques that suppress rather than address the underlying issues, these band-aids may provide temporary relief, but they rarely offer long-term solutions.

Horses are incredibly intuitive animals with complex emotions and communication methods. When they exhibit behavioural issues, whether it's aggression, fear, or resistance, it's their way of telling us that something isn't right. Ignoring these signs or merely covering them up with temporary fixes does a disservice to our horses and jeopardizes their well-being.

Instead, we should commit to a more holistic approach. We need to change the narrative as equestrians and prioritize understanding our horses' individual needs, physical health, and emotional well-being. This means investing time in building a strong bond based on trust and mutual respect, rather than relying solely on training techniques that prioritize obedience over understanding.

Getting to the root cause of behavioural issues requires patience, observation, and sometimes professional guidance. It might involve examining our horses' living conditions, diet, exercise regimen, and social interactions. It might mean seeking the expertise of equine veterinarians, bodyworkers, nutritionist or behaviourists to rule out physical discomfort or trauma that could be contributing to their behaviour.

By addressing the root causes of our horses' behavioural issues, we not only improve their quality of life but also strengthen our partnership with them. We empower ourselves as caretakers and trainers to cultivate deeper connections built on empathy and understanding.

So, let's challenge the status quo and commit to doing better by our horses. Let's shift away from band-aid solutions and towards a holistic approach that honors their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

04/23/2024

Have you ever considered the profound link between your subconscious behaviurs and the demeanor of your equine? Over the the years I've come to learn and appreciate the intricate dance between human and horse, where every thought, feeling, and action reverberates through the invisible threads of our connection.

I see this often: You approach your horse, your mind buzzing with stress from the day's challenges. Unbeknownst to you, your equine picks up on these subtle energetic cues, mirroring your tension with their own unease. It's a silent dialogue, an exchange of energy that transcends words.

But what if I told you that by mastering your mind, you hold the key to transforming your relationship with your horse? Our subconscious and internal energetic environment shapes the dynamics of our equine partnerships.

Your subconscious habits, fears, and anxieties manifest in the way you interact with your horse. A clenched jaw, hurried movements, or scattered thoughts can all signal discord to your equine, disrupting the flow of connection.

By delving into the depths of our subconscious, we unearth the power to rewrite this narrative. Through mindfulness, self-awareness, and intentional practices, we can cultivate a state of inner harmony that radiates outward, enveloping our horses in a sanctuary of calm and trust.

Inside my signature program, the Energetic Equestrian, you step into a journey of self-mastery. Here you'll witness a profound shift in your equine relationships. With each mindful breath, each conscious step, you forge a deeper bond built on mutual respect and understanding. I teach you to embrace the power of your mind, and master your energetic environment. Here you'll live in expanded awareness, able to tap into the subtle shifts of you and your horses energy during your day to day interactions.

Are you drawn to mastering your mind and your energy? Send me a message and lets chat!

04/16/2024

It's essential to shift our focus from merely reacting to health issues to actively preventing them. This shift embodies the very essence of holistic horse care—recognizing the interconnectedness of a horse's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

When we approach horse health holistically, we acknowledge that every facet of a horse's life plays a role in its overall wellness. From the quality of its diet and the fit of their tack, to the nature of its social interactions within their herd and the stimulation of its mind, every detail matters.

Prevention becomes our mantra. As equine care takers we must strive to create an environment that fosters balance and harmony. We must prioritize practices that support the horse's natural behaviours and instincts, promoting not just the absence of disease but the presence of vitality and thriving.

Holistic horse care invites us to become keen observers, attuned to the subtle cues and signals our equines communicate. By understanding their individual needs and preferences, we can tailor our care practices to optimize their well-being.

This approach reminds us of the profound connection we share with our horses—a relationship built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. It is our responsibility to honour this bond by nurturing every aspect of their wellness, and advocate for them when something is wrong.

Integrative equine sessions, take into consideration every aspect of your horses health, providing you with a comprehensive report so that you know what areas of your horses care need to be rebalanced.
Interested in booking a session? Send me a DM!

03/20/2024

Baby Penelope received her first session today with Balanced Bodyworks. Setting her up for success in the long term! For young foals, body work isn't just a luxury—it's a crucial component in their development and well-being.

Every interaction and experience in a foals life shapes its physical and mental health. Which is why for me, having the right care team means the world. Bodywork plays a pivotal role in every horses life, but for a foal it ensures optimal growth, posture and function.

When my kids were young, I ensured to get them the bodywork they needed (massage / chiro) to recover from the demands that labour had on their delicate bodies.

And just like human infants, foals undergo post natal imbalances, and discomfort as they move through rapid growth spurts. So for me, regular body work sessions are so important for my entire herd at every stage of life. Having Sarah work in Miss P at this young age will help her alleviate any tension, improve the regulation of her nervous system, and promote proper alignment, setting the foundation for a lifetime of sound movement.

Another important aspect of having the right care team in her life, is that all these interactions will fosters a deep sense of trust and relaxation between the Miss P and our team of providers. My care team create a bond built on mutual respect and understanding. This not only enhances Penelope's socialization skills but also reduces stress and anxiety, laying the groundwork for a confident and well-adjusted horse in the long run.

In addition to all of this, getting her bodywork now can also uncover potential issues or abnormalities early on. Skilled practitioners are trained to detect subtle signs of discomfort or asymmetry, allowing for prompt intervention and preventive care. Whether it's identifying a misalignment in the spine or addressing stiffness in the limbs, early detection can mitigate future complications and ensure that Miss P stays healthy, long-term.

We are so grateful to have such an incredible team for our herd that not only provide the best care for our horses, but empower me with the education so that everyday I am more educated to care for them myself 🥰

02/28/2024

Upcoming Class : Equine chiropractic, rehab and training for soundness

Dr Stephanie Crawford is a registered chiropractor and certified animal chiropractor based in Guelph, Ontario. In addition to chiropractic services she offers biomechanics assessments, clinics and workshops for riders and postural rehabilitation for horses. She is passionate about providing education to horse owners to empower them to support their horses with healthy training and conditioning practices for long term soundness and improved performance.

This presentation will cover:
A) An introduction to equine chiropractic care, the indications, benefits, typical treatment approaches and outcomes

B) An introduction to equine postural assessment and what owners can look for in their own horse to evaluate their function and comfort.

C) Guidelines to incorporating groundwork rehabilitation into your horse’s routine for improved performance and quality of life.

Join Stephanie in the Holistic Horsemanship community March 7th at 7pm EST

On Course Chiropractic